Friday, October 3, 2014

Off-roading concerns aired at Town Hall meeting

CONCERNS
about off-roaders using parts of the countryside close to Llangollen were aired
at a packed public meeting in the Town Hall yesterday (Thursday) evening.

The
meeting, which was attended by around 100 people including representatives of
Denbighshire County Council, local police and residents, was called to discuss
issues arising from the use by 4x4 vehicles and motorcyclists of unsurfaced
roads in the area close to the town.

People
voiced concerns about the use of the Allt Y Badi as a "feeder" funnel
to the Ceiriog Valley and uplands.

Illegal activities
were the main bone of contention and the fact that the Allt Y Badi is classed
as a highway.

A number of
off-roaders were also at the meeting to counter the criticisms made against
them.

Llangollen
county councillor Stuart Davies, who was there on the night, said: “It was a
well attended meeting with representations from all types of users and
residents, and full and frank views were exchanged.

“People
wanted to have Allt Y Badi declassified but I made the point that to do so
would be a long and costly process with no guarantee of success and that in
today’s current financial climate, where members are being asked to consider
the closure of old peoples accommodation, closing a highway comes low on the
list of priorities.”

Cllr Davies
explained that the county council has set up meetings at which the authorities
and stakeholders will discuss the issues and plan joint actions to address them.

He added: “I
will be attending these meetings to put forward the views of constituents.

“I believe
that closing or downgrading Allt Y Badi would entail a long and costly battle
through the legal system because there are just as many user groups supporting
the retention of the status of this road as are against it.

“I think
the answers are therefore compromise and targeted upholding of the law and I
believe this can be achieved through the meetings set up by the county council for
next month when I will be pushing for this.”